There are several different types of hand trucks that are available for the commercial and non-commercial user.
You need to consider the environment in which it is to be used, the weight needed to be carried, and the capabilities of the user. Plus, you need to look at the components of the truck to make sure it fits your needs. A prime consideration is safety.
You need to identify what you will be carrying. Some trucks are specifically designed for stair carrying and you will need to make sure the truck you purchase is one of these.
There are two types of hand trucks for stairs. You can identify them either by their 3-wheel design or a special one wheel stairclimber design.
The latter type makes use of stair glides instead of additional wheels. Either can enable you to climb stairs with a heavy load with comparative ease.
Best Hand Trucks for Stairs 2018
| NK Heavy Duty Hand Truck | |||
| Cosco 3-in-1 | |||
| Vevor Stair Climbing Cart | 3-wheel design | ||
| Eezglobal Foldable Hand Truck and Luggage Cart | Spare wheels Easy to use | ||
| Harper PGCSK19BLK | Curved handle Glass filled nylon body Additional accessories can be purchased |
1. NK Heavy Duty Hand Truck – Best Aluminum Hand Truck
It has a superior design with a two wheel stair climbing design. It also has a dual handle design for flexible handling. Aluminum has the advantage of being fairly lightweight for transportation when not in use. It also proves an easier truck to handle whether loaded or unloaded.
This is in an important feature if you are looking after a one person operation of your hand truck. In addition, the aluminum material is rust proof, so that is an important consideration.
- Easy to handle
- Heavy carrying capacity
- Tough and durable material for frame
- Rust proof
- Lightweight
- Nose plate design limits carrying capacity
- Aluminum wheel construction
2. Cosco 3-in 1 – Best Hand Truck for Commercial Users
Then it will carry up to 1000lbs. This makes it an ideal hand truck for commercial operations. It is made from heavy duty aluminum so is lightweight to transport between jobs and is easier to handle. It is a versatile design with 3 different configurations: upright stair climbing truck, four wheeled cart or four wheeled hand truck for flat transportation.
It also has a good turning capacity for maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Very versatile
- Lightweight construction
- High load capacity
- No tie downs
3. Vevor Stair Climbing Cart – Best All Round Stair Climbing Hand Truck
This cart would be one of your top choices because of its all-round features and design. It has everything you would need for a stair climbing truck. It is lightweight compared with other hand trucks yet it still has the stair climbing capacity you are looking for.
The sturdy construction would also make it ideal for businesses. The solid rubber tires are very desirable feature because they will not deflate. They also have good grip and handle uneven surfaces well. It is ideal for smaller businesses and home use because it is not a large hand truck and is easy to handle.
The adjustable handle is also a bonus because it makes it more flexible if there are multiple users in your business.
- Lightweight construction
- 3-wheel design
- Adjustable stainless steel handles
- Smooth solid rubber tires
- Strong and sturdy
- Lightweight design
- Less than average carrying capacity
- The carrying capacity of this model is only in the average range
4. Eezglobal Foldable Stair Climbing Hand Truck and Luggage Cart – Best Luggage Cart
This is a lightweight luggage hand truck that would be a great companion when travelling and could also serve as a hand truck for smaller carrying jobs around the home. It has a carrying capacity of 400lbs. so is also suitable for medium jobs.
The stair climbing facility is a great feature when transporting luggage and other carrying jobs around the home or office. The steel frame means it is a good strong hand truck for its size. The overall weight of this truck means that it is fairly easy to transport when not in use.
The back strut also means you can sit this truck down when loading. The tie down straps that come with this hand truck means you can secure your items for extra security.
- Convenient folding design
- Back strut for easier loading
- Tie downs for securing items
- Smaller carrying capacity
- Less robust construction than other hand trucks
5. Harper PGCSK19BLK – Best Value for Money Hand Truck
But that does mean it has a large carrying size. It has built in stair glides for stair climbing. With a carrying capacity of 600lbs. it is ideal for medium to large size commercial businesses. Its strong steel construction means it will last its customers for many years and provide good value for money.
The extra carrying capacity may mean fewer trips for you and save in time taken on jobs. Steel construction is of course a premium material for such an item.
- Large load capacity
- Large carrying bed for large items
- Strong steel frame
- Large item to store when not in use
- Heavy to transport
- Can be unwieldy for smaller users
Things to Consider Before Buying Your Hand Truck
When trying to decide on how much to spend, think about what you will save on moving costs. That may prompt you to buy a more durable and costly model.
However, it will be cost effective if you move often. So work out what it will save you on removal costs.
It may even enable you to do without a removal firm altogether. Another consideration is health and safety. This is true in a commercial or home setting.
Protecting one’s employees is necessary. The same goes for one’s own health. Back injuries are common and these hand trucks will take the hard work out of moving.
Material
When considering the material your hand truck purchase is made out of, you need to consider how far you will have to transport the hand truck when not in use and how much use it will get it its lifetime. If you will find yourself transporting it between locations a lighter weight model may be useful.
However, if you are a commercial user who will be using your hand truck on a daily basis with heavy loads, then a sturdier model may be more cost effective. The main materials used are aluminum and steel. Both have their advantages, being strength as opposed to lighter weight trucks for easier handling and transportation.
The material used in the tires of your hand truck is important as well. Solid rubber tires are preferable because they do not require re-inflation at any point. However, pneumatic tires have the advantage of travelling well over rough ground.
So your work or home environment is a consideration when looking at the tire material on the trucks. If you have delicate items to transport pneumatic tires are an advantage here. However, this probably not compatible with moving heavy loads.
So you would need to sort out in advance how heavy your average and maximum loads would be. Plus, you would need to take in consideration the variety of different types of loads you might carry.
Type
The different types of hand truck may suit different uses. If you need to transport goods in a variety of different locations then one of the more versatile models may suit your needs better. For a factory or commercial setting a more sturdy non-convertible type may be better suited to your needs.
If you require a hand truck for carrying luggage as well as heavier items, there are suitable trucks in this list for you. However, it is difficult to combine the heavy duty tasks of furniture removal with the lighter ones of luggage carrying, so it pays to consider the use your truck will be put to before purchase.
It addition, if luggage carrying is required, the weight of the truck once your travels are complete will be a consideration. But, anyone who has struggled with a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs will appreciate that hand carts designed to do the job are invaluable.
Size
It pays to consider where you will store your hand truck when it is not in use. One that folds away has the advantage that it will take up less space than stronger, one piece designs. Also, frequency of use is a consideration here as a truck that has to be assembled before use is not so convenient. This is especially true if your storage space is limited.
You would also need to consider your users and hopefully not purchase a hand truck that it too unwieldy for your staff or yourself to use. It pays to look at the dimensions of the truck before making your final selection.
An adjustable height truck will also provide you with a safer working environment. This is particular consideration if there will be multiple users of your truck.
What some people forget is that they may have to transport their hand truck to another location within another vehicle. For some people that may never happen. But if it does, consider whether you or another person will be able to lift it into the vehicle required. Another consideration is the room the hand truck will take up when being transported in this manner.
In addition, it pays to consider the size of the tires on your hand truck when making your purchase. A larger diameter tire will obviously be useful if you have to carry heavier than average loads.
Price
Value for money should be your benchmark. Aim to set a budget for your purchase and then consider your needs. Do your research and find out which trucks meet your specifications. Once you have found a make of hand truck that you love, shop around to see if you can obtain a better price for a better product.
Truck Make
A reliable brand is a good starting point when doing your research. Use your internet to find out what others are saying about prospective purchases. Also, a reliable manufacturer will have a good warranty system, although that is a feature which you hope you will never have to use but it pays to have it in place. Purchasing a hand truck is not a small purchase.
A useful place to find product reviews is forums where you can get unbiased opinions on different products. Also, consider adding your own views once you have tried out your purchases. That way other purchasers get the benefit of your experience.
The Final Verdict
The final verdict is up to you. Everyone’s needs are different and the range of hand trucks in this list is quite large. Some are suitable for big jobs and others have different functions.
Don’t forget that safety is one of your main concerns so make sure you and others are able to use your hand truck safely once you have purchased it. Good luck with your purchase.
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